Moving to Alaska: What You Need to Know

Moving to Alaska can be an exciting and life-changing experience; it is a unique and breathtaking state filled with a vast wilderness and stunning natural scenery.  However, before making the move, it’s essential to carefully plan and organize your moving process. Doing this can make or break your transition and overall experience.

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about moving to Alaska, including the steps required for a successful move and the important aspects of Alaska that you should research.

Key Takeaways Moving to Alaska is not cheap. The biggest expenses include the cost to move your belongings and transportation. You don’t have to start from scratch. There are more ways to move to Alaska than just buying everything once you arrive, saving you money and belongings. Get ready for all-day sun and all-day darkness. In winter, there are only six hours of sun, compared to 22 in the summer.

How Much Does it Cost to Move to Alaska?

The costs of moving to Alaska may seem affordable on the outset, but you have to consider all factors to realistically budget. The costs of housing, driving or shipping your belongings, flights, food, hotels, and possibly purchasing a new vehicle all need to be taken into account.

There are three ways that you can move to Alaska: renting a moving truck, using a portable moving and storage container, or hiring a full-service mover.

Moving To Alaska
Los Angeles, CA, 90710 to Anchorage, AK, 99518	15-foot U-Haul Moving Truck – $6,628.89 3 U-Box® By U-Haul Containers - $6,646.70	15-feet of U-Pack® Trailer Space – $9,394 3 ReloCubes - $12,123	Two Men and a Truck® - $34,929.17

Quotes are sourced for moving to Alaska in January 2025. Moving quotes were sourced with no insurance costs and truck delivery as standard with portable storage containers. Prices subject to change.

Truck rentals typically cost between $3,300-$10,200 when moving from the lower 48 to Alaska. Portable storage containers typically cost between $3,000-$6,500 when shipping them to Alaska.

Can I Drive a Penske or a Budget Truck rental to Alaska?

No, Penske and Budget Truck do not allow customers to drive a rental truck to Alaska. The only moving truck company that allows customers to drive a rental truck from the lower 48 and Canada to Alaska is U-Haul.

How to Move to Alaska in 5 Steps:

1. Plan Ahead

Moving to Alaska requires a great deal of planning and preparation to ensure everything is in order as you approach moving day.

The most important aspects of the move you will need to plan for include: the financial requirements of a long-distance move to Alaska, how you plan to transport your belongings, and, ultimately, the travel method for you to reach your new home state.

2. Prepare Financially

Preparing financially for a move is crucial, but it's even more critical for a long-distance move to Alaska. It's essential to create a detailed budget before packing your belongings, taking into account all potential expenses like moving costs and transportation. Additionally, factor in any unexpected costs that may arise during the move. 

3. Get a Moving Quote

If you’re moving to Alaska and planning to transport a considerable amount of belongings, get a moving quote, so you’ll understand what to expect. There will be several options available to you that vary by price and process.

Full-service movers and self-moving services are both common choices. Alternatively, you can save money by using portable moving containers to ship your belongings to their destination, or drive a rental truck.

4. Pack Your Belongings for the Move

Packing for a move to Alaska can be challenging, but with proper preparation, you can reduce the stress of this move. Make a list of all the items you need to bring with you, and sort them into categories such as clothing, household items, and electronics.

When packing fragile items, such as glassware and dishes, use Enviro Bubble Wrap or other protective packing materials to ensure they arrive safely. For expensive electronics like TVs, consider using TV moving boxes to protect them during the trip. It’s also a good idea to label all of your boxes with the contents inside to make unpacking easier.

Our ultimate moving checklist can keep you organized and on track for the months leading up to the move.

5. Travel to Alaska and Start Your New Journey

For the final step of moving to Alaska, you will need to organize your travel arrangements to your new home. When moving to Alaska, there are several travel options available depending on your location.

If you’re coming from the continental United States, you can drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway, which stretches over 1,500 miles starting from British Columbia, Canada, to Alaska.

Another option is to take a ferry, which departs from ports in Washington and can arrive at several different ports along coastal Alaska. Alternatively, you can fly directly to the larger cities in Alaska, like Anchorage or Juneau, from most major airlines. When traveling to Alaska, keep in mind the weather and time of year, as winter conditions can make any method of travel more challenging.

Things to Consider When Moving to Alaska

Now that we’ve covered the steps for moving to Alaska, let's discuss some important things to consider before finalizing your move. If you are seriously considering a relocation to Alaska, there are several things you should research and consider prior to making the move.

Alaska is a unique state, with its own set of rewards and challenges. While it can be a great place to live, the transition will be much easier if you have researched the differences between where you currently reside and the beautiful state of Alaska.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Alaska?

The cost of living in Alaska is generally much higher than in other parts of the United States. This is greatly due to the state’s remote location, resulting in the high cost of transporting goods to the region. Overall, the cost of living in Alaska is around 33% higher than the national average. Despite this, there can be financial incentives to living in Alaska, as the state collects no sales or income tax from residents.

Geography and Climate

Alaska spans more than 660,000 square miles. It is the largest state in the United States, but one of the least populated, with around 730,000 residents. The state is known for its beautiful yet rugged terrain, which includes mountain ranges, forests, and tundra.

The climate in Alaska is unique among other states as well. While it may snow and reach chilly temperatures in other regions of the country, nowhere else in the US truly compares. Alaska, especially in its most northern regions, experiences long, cold winters followed by short, cool summers.

Transportation

Alaska is a large state with a limited road system. While there are major highways that connect the largest cities, many communities can only be reached by boat or plane. If you plan on living in a remote area of the state, you may need to purchase a boat or plane to frequently access your community.

If you plan on living in one of the major cities, such as Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can get around by car or public transportation. However, you should be aware that public transit will likely be less prominent than where you currently reside.

Healthcare

Alaska has a relatively low population density, which can make it challenging to access healthcare services, especially in rural areas. Major hospitals are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, so if you have ongoing medical needs, it’s important to research local healthcare access before relocating.

The Best Ways to Move to Alaska

U-Box containers are a are a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective option for those moving to Alaska. Using U-Box containers and U-Haul trucks, you can request an instant moving quote online at any time. With a U-Box quote, you will receive transparent pricing and shipping times for your move.

 

One of the greatest advantages of using U-Box containers for your move is the unparalleled flexibility and control that they provide. If your plans change, you can rest assured knowing that U-Box containers have you covered. You won't be charged any fees for canceling your reservation, changing your move date, or even for unused containers. This gives you the peace of mind to focus on the more important aspects of your move.